Roe Valley Country Park

About

This scenic and tranquil park is located on the outskirts of Limavady and offers spectacular riverside views and woodland walks along with opportunities for salmon and trout fishing, canoeing, rock climbing and orienteering.

The river plunges through spectacular gorges and its banks are clothed in mature woodland. This picturesque park is also the main habitat to a number of animals which include foxes, badgers and otters.

Located within Roe Valley Country Park, the Green Lane Museum features 19th and 20th Century artefacts depicting the history of the Roe Valley with stories of rural life, including farming, local trades and the linen industry.

Visitors can learn about the industrial and natural heritage of the area in the museum and countryside centre. The remains of buildings used in the linen industry and a restored water wheel can also be seen and much of the original equipment is preserved including ruined water mills used in linen production.

There is a disabled angler's jetty by the river and a specially designed trail emphasising the wildlife of the park. This includes an audio guide for blind and partially sighted visitors.

Paths provide access throughout much of Roe Valley and seating is available at various points, including special benches for the less able-bodied. Also worth a visit is the tea room / cafe “AL’s Coffee” which opens daily and is located at Dogleap Countryside Centre. The cafe is wheelchair accessible, from which a mobility scooter is also available. 

Picnic tables and BBQ facilities are provided close to the car park in the grounds adjacent to the Centre.

Walking Route  - There are various route options available within the Country Park, depending on desirable distance.  The circular route described below, starting and finishing in the main car park at the Countryside Centre, is approx. 3.6km long. 

Starting at the Countryside Centre car park, walk past the Centre and head south along the riverside path.  This path is relatively flat and hugs the riverbank along the entire length of this route.  Take extra care with young children and keep pets under control.  After approx. 1.6km a footbridge spans the River Roe.  There is a flight of steps from the path to access the footbridge.  If these steps present mobility challenges, turn around and retrace your steps back to the Countryside Centre.  If the steps can be negotiated, cross the footbridge and turn left and head along the path hugging the opposite bank.  The return route follows the river back towards the Countryside Centre.   

On reaching the end of the riverside path, turn left onto Dogleap Road, and proceed with caution for approx. 150m back to the starting point at the Countryside Centre.  Due to the circular nature of this route, it can be walked in the reverse direction. 

Accessibility - The majority of the route is along firm surfaced paths and relatively flat.  There is a flight of steps at the footbridge at the halfway point, and a few small ascents along the trail.  If the steps prove impassable for mobility aids the walk can be enjoyed as an out-and-back linear trail along the same path. 

Car parking is free and available at 4 locations within the Park:  

Main car park at Countryside Centre/Café Building (access via Dogleap Road)  

O’Cahan’s car park (access via Roemill Road)  

Carrick Mills car park (access via Ballyquin Road)  

Carrick Rocks car park (access via Drumrane Road) 

Mobility Scooter available from the Cafe building. 

An Electric vehicle charging point is available within the Country Park’s main car park.  An outdoor drinking water tap is provided at the toilet block behind Al’s Coffee.